Strange defect with my 12th aligner

Message

Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:47 pm

Well, I was all set to change into aligner number 12 this evening. I had the hardest time trying to fit the upper tray onto my back left molars. I finally got them halfway up my teeth when I noticed a strange bright white colour under one of my molars.

It turns out that there is a small white piece of plastic that seems to be glued into the inside of the aligner in that spot. I tried removing it with a toothbrush, and with my fingernails but it won't move.

The bottom aligner fit no problem so I'm wearing that along with my previous upper. I am extremely upset that I will be losing at least three days of treatment time as this is a long weekend in Canada. I had very noticeable movement with number 11 and was so looking forward to progressing with treatment. I am going to insist that the ortho sees me on Tuesday to remove this strange attachment.

I have never read anything like this on the board. Has anyone else come across a similar situation?

#2 Post by **John37** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:04 pm

My 2nd or 3rd aligner had a defect. My lower aligner was rounded off too much over one of my canines, so it didn't sit on that tooth and the adjacent teeth well. I compared it too the previous and next aligner and it was clearly rounded off instead of pointy like my canine. So, yeah, these things can happen. Since I was new to wearing the aligners, I wasn't sure at the time if it was normal or not, so I wore that aligner the full 2 weeks.

#3 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:04 am

While rare, manufacturing defects and/or packaging problems do exist.

It's prudent to keep your previous aligner on and check to see if the new aligner can be modified and worn. Otherwise, your orthodontist can order a replacement aligner. Don't throw out the defective aligner as your orthodontist may require it to get the free replacement.

Good luck!

#4 Post by **myhollywoodsmile** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:59 am

I have had an aligner that was cut a little differently around one tooth. My ortho filed it and made it good enough to wear. He told me that the Invisalign robots occasionally go a little haywire.

Tue Oct 13, 2009 4:32 pm

Update:
I went to see my ortho today and he explained that sometimes aligners with a lot of attachments (my upper has 10!) may experience a problem where small pieces of the mold used to form the aligner get stuck in the attachment "bubble". Sometimes it can be removed easily and sometimes a new aligner has to be ordered.

Thankfully they were able to remove it at the office this morning and I am now wearing my number 12. I have always waited until the day I changed the aligners to open my packages to avoid unnecessary germs etc. I will now open the packets two weeks in advance to check for any noticeable "suprises"- allow time for ordering a new aligner if necessary.

#6 Post by **Lilypad** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:55 pm

Glad it didnt set you back any!